§ 33. Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any statement to make on the future work of Regional Civil Commissioners and their staffs.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo, Sir, not at present. But my policy has always been to adjust the regional organisation to public need and this policy is being maintained.
§ Sir R. GlynIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an announcement has been made in Scotland that the Regional Commissioner and his officers will cease their functions, and why should Scotland be free more quickly than England?
§ Mr. MorrisonAny implication that the Regional Commissioners are a menace to freedom is unfair. They have rendered great public service to the community and deserve the highest respect for the work they have done. The Scottish diminution was made after consultation with me and it extended to the district commissioners. I have similar proposals under consideration for the whole country, but it must be gradual. Indeed, reducing the Civil Defence organisation must, for a time, increase the work of the regional officers.